We Spent 10 Days on Star of the Seas: Here’s What It’s Really Like!

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We are back from 10 days onboard the newest mega-ship in the world, Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas. From the dining to entertainment, pool deck, and more, we share where the ship shines and where it falls short in our Star of the Seas cruise ship review. 

Star of the Seas Cruise Ship Review

Star of the Seas is the second ship in Royal Caribbean’s new Icon class. At 248,663 GT, Star of the Seas has 20 total decks, 2805 staterooms, 7 pools, 10 whirlpools, 6 record-breaking waterslides, 8 neighborhoods, and over 40 restaurants, bars, and lounges. At double occupancy, the ship accommodates 5,610 guests.

Royal Caribbean takes the decor, layout, and design to the next level with the Icon class of ships. While Star of the Seas shares many similarities with her older sister, Icon of the Seas, there are a few differences. So, what did we think about this latest addition to the Royal Caribbean fleet? Find out in our complete Star of the Seas review.

Pool Deck

Unlike most Royal Caribbean cruise ships that offer one pool deck, Star of the Seas has pools located on five decks! Most of the main pools are on Decks 15 to 17. By dispersing the crowds, no one area becomes overly busy. So, even though this is the largest ship in the world, you can find pool space at all hours of the day. Just keep in mind that some pools are more popular than others. 

If you’ve sailed on Icon of the Seas, then the pools are essentially the same on Star of the Seas. Although, Royal Caribbean did make some changes to the Surfside neighborhood. 

To help draw families with slightly older kids, Splashaway Bay and the nearby pool were redesigned. On Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean originally created the Water’s Edge pool for parents which was separate from the nearby splashpad for kids. However, the cruise line realized that this pool simply became an extension of the family area. Thus, the Water’s Edge pool now blends with Splashaway Bay so families can enjoy the spaces together. 

Splashaway Bay includes fountains, water cannons, and smaller slides, which are perfect for younger children. There’s even Baby Bay, a separate area designed specifically for the youngest cruisers.

Up on Deck 17, there’s Cloud 17 with its infinity edge pool, plenty of comfy padded loungers, and beautiful ocean backdrops. While the pool is small, it tends to be a bit quieter here than the main pool deck below. It also has a Lime and Coconut bar just a few feet from the water. 

On Deck 16, there’s the Swim & Tonic, Royal Caribbean’s first swim-up bar at sea. Right now, Swim & Tonic is adults-only on Star of the Seas, but it can get quite crowded especially on sea days. So, if you want to spend your day lounging in this pool, we recommend getting there early. Or, you can rent one of the nearby casitas for guaranteed seats and shade. 

Only accessible from Deck 16, the Hideaway is the original adults-only pool area on Icon class ships. Tucked away on Deck 15, the Hideaway features the first suspended infinity pool at sea. Cantilevered 135 feet above the ocean, this adults-only pool offers amazing 180-degree ocean views.

This completely aft-located space also features plenty of terraced seating, day beds you can rent for an extra fee, whirlpools, and a dedicated bar. The whole area has a real beach club vibe with a sophisticated atmosphere that feels like you’re at an upscale resort rather than on a cruise ship. Though, it does lack shade.

The Royal Bay Pool on Deck 15 is the most expansive pool at sea and has plenty of surrounding and in-pool seating options. This is what comes closest to the traditional “main pool” on most cruise ships. Surprisingly, with all the other pool options on Star of the Seas, this pool never seemed all that crowded.

Also on Deck 15 is the Cove Pool. This pool is the most secluded, with most of the loungers in the shade. Though, similar to the Cloud 17 pool, the Cove Pool is rather small as well.

All of these above mentioned pools are complimentary for guests!

Finally, guests staying in certain suite categories have access to an additional private pool and whirlpool on Deck 18. This Grove sundeck is a two-story space with a variety of loungers and seating options. Not to mention, there’s also a private bar and poolside tapas. 

Sports Deck

Thrill Island, the sports deck on Star of the Seas, is virtually the same as Icon of the Seas. Not that we are complaining, as this is one of the most intense and activity-filled sports decks at sea. 

There is the 9-hole Lost Dunes mini-golf course. This nautically-themed mini golf is open most of the day, and even hosts some nighttime glow-in-the-dark sessions.

The Adrenaline Peak rock climbing wall offers different difficulty levels for climbers of all abilities. 

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Royal Caribbean ship without the FlowRider surf simulator. Unlike many Oasis class ships, there is only one Flowrider on Star of the Seas. Check the daily schedule for various sessions, including boogie boarding and surfing. 

Seemingly floating above Deck 16 is the sports court. It’s home to open play and organized games, including soccer, basketball, and yes, even pickleball. 

The big draw to this sports deck is the Category 6 waterpark. At 17,000 square feet, it is the largest waterpark at sea. Comprised of 5 unique attractions and six slides, this waterpark is designed for tweens and adults. Most slides have a minimum height requirement of at least 48 inches, even the family slides. If you have younger kids who don’t meet the height requirements, they might be disappointed, so be sure to manage expectations ahead of time.

star of the seas cruise review

The Pressure Drop and Frightening Bolt are the body slides. These are the most intense, so be prepared. You need to be at least 52 inches tall for these slides. (Of note: Frightening Bolt is temporarily closed.)

Storm Chasers are the dual mat-racing slides, where you can race against family and friends; you need to be 48 inches tall for these. Hurricane Hunter and Storm Surge are the family raft slides that fit multiple people. However, everyone needs to be at least 48 inches tall.

For a cruise ship, all of these slides pack some serious speed and are a lot of fun. Even if you don’t have kids, you will probably want to test out this waterpark. To minimize waiting, consider staying onboard one day at port. I was able to ride all the slides, some multiple times, in about an hour. Or, head to the park right when it opens or later in the day for lower wait times. 

While most of the activities in Thrill Island are complimentary, the Crown’s Edge is an upcharge. This ropes course includes a thrilling zip line over the edge of the ship. But, at $35 a person, we suggest you skip it since it’s not as thrilling as some ropes courses on competitor cruise lines.

Complimentary Dining

With over 40 dining and drinking options, Star of the Seas delivers plenty of variety. We spent our time testing everything from quick bites to sit-down meals. For the most part, the dining venues met our expectations. 

For the Icon class, Royal Caribbean introduced several new eateries. While the casual dining still doesn’t match the quality of Carnival, the new venues offer more flexibility if you’re looking to avoid the main dining room. 

Despite some new offerings, you’ll also find many Royal Caribbean staples on Star of the Seas. El Loco Fresh offers Tex-Mex options steps from the pool deck with nachos, burritos, and tacos available until about 5:30 PM. 

Over in Central Park, Park Café features a more modern and trendy vibe. In the morning, Park Café features breakfast sandwiches, fresh bagels, and grab-and-go options like fresh fruit and yogurt. In the afternoon, there are sandwiches, paninis, salads, and the famous Royal Kummelweck sandwich. 

The Pearl Café is open 24 hours a day, offering upgraded menu items. The sandwiches, pastries, and grab-and-go options are a vast improvement over the typical Cafe Promenade selections on other Royal Caribbean ships. The space is bright and airy with ocean views. Plus, the Pearl Café has plenty of outlets, perfect for charging your devices while enjoying a coffee or snack.

star of the seas cruise review

And of course, you’ll also find Sorrento’s pizza nearby in the Royal Promenade. While I don’t love the pizza here, many can’t resist this late night snack option.

Basecamp in Thrill Island keeps things simple with free items like chicken tenders, pretzel bites, and burgers. It’s convenient when you’re hanging out at the waterpark and you don’t feel like trekking into the buffet. We appreciate that Royal Caribbean has updated this venue. Now, all menu items are complimentary, including the smash burger. The smash burger is by far the best burger on the ship. 

However, one of the biggest improvements on Star of the Seas when compared to Icon is the AquaDome Market. While there are still 5 different food stalls, three of them have been changed on Star of the Seas. This food hall concept offers families a wider range of international flavors with portion sizes that are perfect for sharing or trying multiple options.

Now, there’s Mai Thai with some great Thai food, including the spiciest Pad Thai I have ever had on a cruise ship. Pig Out BBQ offers pulled pork sandwiches and mac and cheese bowls with all the toppings. Heidi’s favorite addition was the Latin American handhelds, like chicken empanadas, at La Concinita. 

Returning favorites include fresh gyros and Mediterranean bowls at Feta Mediterranean and sweet and savory crepes made to order at Creme de la Crepe. 

The Surfside neighborhood caters specifically to families with two complimentary dining options. The Surfside Eatery focuses on kid-friendly basics with some adult options like steak and salmon. However, we suggest you skip the Surfside Eatery and grab food from the takeout window, Surfside Bites, instead. The popcorn chicken and pizza toasties are solid choices. Then, treat yourself to churros and soft serve from Sprinkles – trust us on this combo.

Like any Royal Caribbean ship, the Windjammer buffet remains the reliable fallback for traditional cruise dining. This buffet offers a variety of international cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. With so many other dining options, we never ate at this Deck 15 buffet.

Main Dining Room on Star of the Seas

Star of the Seas offers expansive casual dining compared to the line’s other ships. However, loyal to Royal cruisers will feel right at home in the main dining room. This ship features the same menus found across the Royal Caribbean fleet. 

Depending on your itinerary, the menu rotation might be slightly different. But, you can still expect the Welcome Aboard and Bon Voyage menus, and the Taste of Caribbean, France, and Italy, among others. Along with the themed selections each night, the menus also feature Royal Classics. These include selections like Caesar salad or grilled chicken.

star of the seas cruise review

Given the vast variety of casual and specialty dining on Star of the Seas, we only ate in the main dining room a few times during our ten days on the ship. Still, the food quality was on par with our previous experiences. 

On Royal Caribbean ships, you can order as many starters, entrees, and desserts as you like. The only restriction is on Gala Night. You can only order one lobster tail, with additional orders costing $18.99 each. So, feel free to try something different, and if you don’t like it, you can always order something else. 

As the largest ship in the world, Star of the Seas offers more flexibility than typical cruise ships when it comes to dining times. Instead of just two traditional dining times, there were four different time slots. The main dining room offered early seatings at 5 PM and 6:45 PM and late seatings at 7:30 PM and 8:30 PM. 

For ultimate flexibility, My Time Dining runs from 6:45 PM to 9 PM daily in the Deck 3 dining room. Guests can make reservations for times within that window pre-cruise or once onboard. Alternatively, you can walk up to the check-in desk whenever you are hungry to request a table. 

A newer addition, and one of Heidi’s favorites, is the sea day brunch. This brunch happens on the first sea day of your cruise. Running from 8:30 AM to 12 PM, this combo of breakfast and lunch is a great way to start your vacation. Sleep in and then enjoy savory and filling options like omelets, French Toast, chicken and waffles, and more. 

On the remaining sea days, the main dining room offers a sit-down lunch. There is also a sit-down breakfast available most days of the cruise. 

We did notice that the main dining room seemed less busy than expected during our sailings. Most likely, the empty tables were because passengers have so many other appealing options available.

Specialty Dining on Star of the Seas

The lineup of upcharge dining venues on Star of the Seas is identical to that of Icon of the Seas. 

Pre-cruise, we were able to take advantage of several deals on specialty dining for up to 40% off. At these discounted prices, it was a no-brainer to sample some of the specialty dining on the ship. 

The casual Pier 7 remains a hidden gem on Star of the Seas. Open for brunch and dinner, we enjoyed a casual dinner here. With options like lettuce cups, shrimp tostadas, and Korean Fried chicken, this restaurant packs plenty of flavor. You can pay à la carte or opt for the $25 deal for a three-course meal. Families will be happy to know that kids 12 and under can dine for free at Pier 7.

On one of our sea days, we dined at another one of our favorites, Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen. We scored a great deal, paying only $14.99 for lunch. The calamari and caprese salad are solid offerings. My steak muffuletta was a crispy and tender Italian-American classic reminiscent of one of my mother’s dishes. Of course, you can’t go wrong with the chicken parmigiana either. Luckily, we were dining with others, so we didn’t feel bashful ordering the Go Bananas. This dessert calzone with Nutella and bananas is a decadent dessert best shared with friends. 

Additionally, we met friends for some pizza and apps at the nearby Giovanni’s Wine Bar on another occasion. This is an excellent option for a low-key meal or when you are in the mood for something lighter. 

If you’re looking for a lively dinner experience, Izumi Hibachi in Central Park might be a great option. This Japanese-style steakhouse is both dinner and a show. Our chef made sure to pull out all of the tricks and jokes in this 90-minute dining experience. The expertly prepared rice, vegetables, meats, and seafood made this dinner one of the most enjoyable evenings onboard. We also dined at Izumi Sushi on another evening. Sampling some sushi, udon noodles, and apps, this was another satisfying meal. Here, guests can pay a la carte or a flat-fee for four menu items.

During our time on Star of the Seas, we dined at Chops Grille as well. This signature steakhouse located in Central Park did not disappoint. My crab cake had a crispy crust with a moist stuffing filled with crab meat. For an entree, I opted for the filet mignon. It was a perfectly seared medium-rare steak. With perfectly portioned side dishes, including the crowd-pleasing tater tots, you’ll need to make sure to save room for dessert. The key lime pie and red velvet cake are among the best desserts on the ship. 

We even decided to give Hooked Seafood another chance, this time for lunch. As a New Englander, I am often skeptical of cruise ship seafood restaurants. But the baked oysters and lobster rolls proved me wrong this time around. With a similar menu to dinner, lunch at Hooked is a great value.

Another more casual upcharge venue is Playmakers Sports Bar and Arcade. This pub offers game day favorites, with an extensive beer menu and items like burgers, wings, nachos, and more. 

Further, dessert fans won’t want to miss the bubble cones at Izumi in the Park. These handheld treats feature soft-serve ice cream in warm waffle cones. Just eat quickly, as they melt fast in the Caribbean heat. Or, you can opt for one of the outrageous milkshakes at Desserted in Thrill Island. Though, we personally think the milkshakes are over-priced.

The only change in specialty dining on Star of the Seas is the supper club. On Star of the Seas, Lincoln Park Supper Club replaces the Empire Supper Club. This upscale experience offers a similar vibe, but instead of New York, the focus is on Chicago’s golden age. Located off Central Park, the elegant evening combines cuisine, cocktails, and live music in an intimate space. With Heidi’s picky palette and the $200 price tag per person, this is the only venue on Star of the Seas we didn’t try. 

Entertainment on Star of the Seas

One of the most significant differences between Star and Icon is the entertainment. While all of the entertainment venues are the same, each has its own new signature show. Royal Caribbean still offers the best entertainment at sea. If you are a fan of cruise production shows like us, then Star of the Seas definitely delivers. From the Royal Theater to the AquaDome and Absolute Zero, these shows are filled with plenty of wow moments. 

The AquaDome, relocated to the top of the ship on Icon class vessels, features Torque (replacing Icon’s Aqua Action). This intense production combines high-divers, synchronized swimmers, dancers, and aerial artists under a digitally enhanced dome for a one-of-a-kind spectacle.

The dome technology adds layers of immersion that you don’t find in the AquaTheater on the Oasis class ships. Rain is no longer a concern either since the entire theater is enclosed. While this show was still in preview, we were able to watch Torque a couple times across our cruises and it lived up to our expectations. Even if you have seen diving shows on other ships, Torque will leave you stunned. 

Likewise, Sol, the new ice skating show in Absolute Zero, takes things to the next level. This circular venue, with improved sightlines, gives every seat a great view of the action.

Sol traces the sun’s path through the sky with an intricate mix of ice dancing, skating, and special effects. The set pieces are inspired by some of the hottest locales in the world. Featuring the largest ice skating cast in the fleet, admittedly, Sol starts off a bit slow. But you need to stick around until the end because the ice skating trick performers pull off some extreme stunts that you won’t see in any other Royal Caribbean ice show.   

While Icon of the Seas wows audiences with The Wizard of Oz, Star of the Seas brings Back to the Future: The Musical to the seas in the Royal Theater. This Broadway adaptation taps into serious 80’s nostalgia and delivers all the movie magic you remember. Fans of the movie, like me, will certainly not want to miss this high-energy production.

Marty McFly and Doc Brown come to life in this brand-new Royal Caribbean show featuring the largest orchestra at sea. The adaptation captures the original film’s heart, complete with special effects that only Royal Caribbean could pull off. Expect immersive effects that make you feel part of the story, complete with a DeLorean flying through the air! 

Now located on Deck 6 in the heart of the Royal Promenade, Royal Caribbean’s comedy club, The Attic, feels more spacious and accessible than previous iterations. Comedy shows run multiple times throughout the cruise with featured comedians rotating through different time slots. These shows require reservations, but standby lines are available if you are unable to secure spots for a particular showtime. 

You can also rock out at signature concerts in the Music Hall. From Journey tribute bands to the Star of the Seas showband, this is the place for those who like power chords and rock ballads. 

Onboard Activities 

Yes, there is a lot to do both day and night on Star of the Seas. Even though we were on the ship for a total of ten days, we still weren’t able to get to everything. 

The activities staff hosts a variety of typical cruise events. There are several trivia sessions, ranging from general sessions to themed sessions for experts on topics such as music, movies, and sports. There were also other games and cruiser competitions. From Name that Tune to 60 Seconds or Less, cruisers could go head-to-head with each other in fun challenges to win prizes and earn bragging rights. There were regular karaoke sessions as well held in Spotlight Karaoke.

Additionally, you can try your luck at bingo, or utilize the slot machines and table games in the casino. Make sure to check the open times as the casino is closed when docked in most ports of call.  

Sports challenges and baggo tournaments also occurred throughout the day. Cruisers could learn some new dance moves or even join a running club for some companionship while jogging around the track.

The fitness center is open from 6 AM to 9 PM daily. Here, you’ll find a variety of cardio machines, free weights, weight machines, and other equipment for all types of workouts. There are also group fitness classes. From yoga to spin, there are a variety of ways to work up a sweat. For an extra fee, you can even enjoy the Vitality Spa’s thermal suite or book a variety of treatments like massages or salon services.

On most nights, you will find a Royal Caribbean party somewhere on the ship too. There is the Hush Silent Party in the Royal Promenade. Or, you can show off your dance moves at the ReZolution Party in Absolute Zero. New to Star of the Seas is Millennium Mania, focusing on all things Y2K. Say goodbye to the 70’s party and hello to a new excuse to play a variety of music from the late 90’s and early 2000’s. There is also the new Let’s Dance Party featuring songs like the Macarena and YMCA. 

Bars and Lounges on Star of the Seas

While the entertainment is new, you will find all of the same bars and lounges on Star as you do on Icon. These include all the Royal Caribbean favorites plus ten completely new concepts that Royal Caribbean introduced with the Icon class. The best part? Drink prices are consistent with the rest of the fleet, and most specialty cocktails are included in the Deluxe beverage package.

The redesigned two-story Royal Promenade hosts several standout venues that capitalize on the more open and airy design. Our favorite is the 1400 Lobby Bar. This bar serves as the sophisticated anchor with signature cocktails inspired by different Royal Caribbean ship classes. The modern space and elevated drink menu make it perfect for pre-dinner cocktails or adult conversation away from the family chaos.

Another fan-favorite, Dueling Pianos is consistently the most popular nighttime spot. Two talented performers take requests and keep the energy high with sing-along classics. Arrive early for seats, or enjoy the show from the promenade since the venue opens to the walkway.

The Schooner Bar overlooks the promenade from Deck 6 with live piano music and an updated cocktail menu. My new favorite is the toasted marshmallow old-fashioned. Luckily, they still have Heidi’s favorite, the Lavender Daiquiri. Boleros keeps the Latin music and dancing alive across the way, and the Thorn & Thistle pub delivers a classic English atmosphere with ales, lagers, and acoustic guitar music. You can also enjoy a brew alongside your favorite sports game at Playmakers.

Out on Chill Island, there are four Lime & Coconut bars, including a dedicated frozen drinks-only station on Deck 16. The signature Lime & Coconut cocktail remains a poolside favorite, while the frozen bar churns out Miami Vices and other blended classics like the Pain Chiller.

Swim & Tonic marks Royal Caribbean’s first swim-up bar at sea. The unique tonic variations pair perfectly with floating in this adults-only pool. Further, Cantina Fresca shakes up signature margaritas near El Loco Fresh, while the Basecamp Bar in Thrill Island serves rum-based cocktails, perfect if you need some liquid courage.

The Hideaway Bar provides a sophisticated beach club experience with signature cocktails like Bae at the Beach. The elevated outdoor furniture and wake views create the perfect escape from the rest of the outdoor decks. 

Back inside, The Overlook offers 220-degree forward-facing views with the bar serving a signature Overlook Spritz. This indoor space boasts comfortable seating and is the perfect spot to relax on sea days. Nearby, Rye & Bean combines a coffee bar with espresso-infused cocktails. Trying the espresso martinis here is essential!

In Central Park, Lou’s Jazz ‘n Blues delivers New Orleans-inspired cocktails like a hurricane and jazzy saz in a sultry atmosphere. You can enjoy live music in this venue or sip your drinks amongst the lush surroundings. On our sailing, Lou’s was more popular than when we sailed on Icon last year. So, the word is out about this “hidden gem”. Nearby, Bubbles Champagne Bar offers takeout-style service for some bubbly, and the Trellis Bar is an additional space nestled in the serene Central Park neighborhood. 

Parents spending time with their little ones in the Surfside neighborhood can grab a sweet drink at the Lemon Post. Actually, this bar crafts drinks for everyone with lemonade-based cocktails for adults and zero-proof versions for kids.

Finally, if you’re looking for coffee, Pear Cafe is your go-to for espresso-based beverages that are included in the Royal Caribbean drink packages and the Cafe Select coffee card. There’s also a Starbucks kiosk in the Royal Promenade but these drinks are not included in any packages.

Accommodations

We stayed in two different stateroom categories across our three separate cruises on Star of the Seas. The more typical option for us was an ocean view balcony stateroom. This room was identical to the accommodations we stayed in on Icon of the Seas last year in terms of layout, size, and decor.  

Measuring 204 square feet, with an approximate 50-foot balcony, these cabins offer plenty of features for modern cruisers. We loved the extra power outlets and USB connections throughout the room. Not only at the desk and near the bed, but also near the television.

The ocean view balcony room on Star of the Seas offers adequate storage as well. The smaller section of the closet includes a full-length clothes bar making it easy for Heidi to hang her dresses. The other section features a clothes bar on top with storage cubes below. We liked having the cubes to keep our shoes organized, but we could have done without the screeching sound the wire baskets make when sliding them.

If you need additional storage, there are shelves hidden behind the full-length mirror and some drawers at the desk. There are even some small shelves near the television for storing things like electronics or water bottles. Talk about using every square inch of space in the room!

The rest of the room’s features are pretty standard. The love seat was large enough for the two of us to work on our laptops simultaneously, and the desk is average-sized complete with a chair instead of a stool. Our Royal king bed was positioned closer to the balcony on the forward wall, facing aft. We never had any issues falling asleep each night after a long day of exploring everything on Star of the Seas. 

While still the typical cruise ship-sized bathroom, we appreciated the modern finishes and shower design. The shower features a small seat on one end with shelves for storing towels above, similar to the design found in many hotels. 

Even though we were traveling with three weeks worth of clothes and gear, we were able to unpack and organize everything with some cabin hacks. Among our go-to items is an over-the-door shoe organizer. Here, we store smaller accessories, toiletries, and the like so we don’t clutter our valuable counter space. 

Now, during our first look cruise on Star of the Seas, Royal Caribbean hosted us in an Infinite Ocean View Balcony stateroom. Measuring about 250 square feet, this stateroom includes what the cruise line refers to as an “expanded living area”. 

Similar to the design on Celebrity’s Edge class, instead of having a dedicated outdoor space, these cabins feature additional indoor space with seating and a window that opens. These cabins do not have the typical sliding door to exit the room entirely onto a dedicated outdoor balcony. Instead, these rooms transition with the push a button, essentially turing the entire space into a balcony. 

While we can see the pros of this cabin option, like more space and additional seating options, we personally prefer a traditional balcony. I like the ability to sit outside on the balcony in the afternoon while Heidi stays in the air conditioned cabin. Unfortunately, with this stateroom category, the air conditioning shuts off when you open the infinite balcony.

Overall Star of the Seas Cruise Ship Review

After spending 10 days aboard Star of the Seas, we can confidently say Royal Caribbean has delivered another extraordinary mega-ship experience. And we wouldn’t hesitate to sail on the ship again!

The entertainment differences and strategic refinements make Star feel familiar yet enhanced. Royal Caribbean has taken guest feedback and applied those lessons to create a ship worth testing out, even if you have already sailed on Icon of the Seas. 

We thoroughly enjoyed the upgraded food stalls in the AquaDome Market, along with all of the other casual options available on the Icon class. For families looking for more flexibility with their dining, Star of the Seas offers the most choices of any Royal Caribbean cruise ship. There’s also a plethora of specialty dining for those looking for an elegant night out.

The brand-new entertainment in the signature venues should not be missed either. Back to the Future: The Musical delivers another crowd-pleasing main theater show. Torque puts the gas pedal to the floor in an explosive and high-energy show. Likewise, Sol is the most intense skating show yet. 

Even sailing at essentially double occupancy, the ship never felt overwhelming (except with some crowding at the Swim & Tonic and The Hideaway pools). The neighborhood design continues to work brilliantly at dispersing crowds, with each area providing enough amenities to keep guests engaged all day. Whether you want to chill at the various pools, seek thrills at the Category 6 waterpark, or enjoy sophisticated dining, bars, and entertainment, there’s something for every member of the family.

Even though the Icon class ships are the largest afloat, we personally think they feel more spacious than the Oasis class or other mega-ships from competitor cruise lines like Carnival or MSC.

Nonetheless, like any mega-ship, a little pre-planning goes a long way. We made sure to pre-book all our shows before boarding the ship. We also took advantage of pre-cruise deals to secure dining reservations at several specialty restaurants at discounted prices. Thus, we suggest that you regularly check your cruise planner to ensure you don’t miss a thing.

Comments

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